Question?

On most assignments, I take my car with me. Some agencies do provide rentals, but you have to pay upfront for it and they will reimburse you. I like having my car versus leaving it at home and taking public transit just for the flexibility. I'm very independent. Some leave their cars at home, but I'm scared of doing this 'cos my car is new, and I won't be home for 13 weeks...it could get stolen and I not know til I got back! Some leave it at a friends house/relatives disposal.

You can do travel nursing anywhere...even in the state that you work. But for IRS purposes it's recommended that you work at least 2 hours drive from your home and maintain another seperate place of residence. Most of the pay for travelers is through tax free allowances and stipends, and you will have to pay those back if you live at home while taking a 'travel check'. Some people don't care, and I've done this on one contract myself, but it's better safe than sorry.

When you are ready to settle back down, I haven't heard of problems going permanent. Most hospitals like keeping travelers who have shown themselves competent anyway as permanent staff...it cuts down on training/orientation on their end. Also travelers have a wide berth of expertise that alot of nurse managers are interested in tapping into. Just make sure that there are no long unexplained absences in your Resume and you should be good. Also, with ur resume, specify what level hospital it was, Trauma, Burn etc., whether it was Magnet status etc. and what units you worked on a floated to. Always keep a record of contact info of all the managers that you've worked with and at least one coworkers. Some hospitals are really finicky with checking that stuff.

Unless you are working in Alaska or Hawaii, it is usually a good idea to take your car. This lets you get around and sitesee and to travel back home is you are close enough and have a few days off. Plus, there are tax advantages to it.
Also, some companies take the car rental out of your pay. Be careful.
You can work any state, even your home state. Talk with you tax advisor regarding the the tax advantage rules. Make sure they are comfortable with doing taxes for travel nurses.
Hope this helps.